Digital Accessibility

Background

Under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 government entities - such as schools and libraries - must make their electronic and information technology accessible to people with disabilities. The U.S. Government recently signed a new rule under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that covers digital inclusion. This rule clarifies what schools and libraries need to do to make their website and mobile applications accessible to everyone.

Federal Laws & Guidance

RAILS Resources for Libraries

Guidance from Ancel Glink Regarding Discrimination Complaint

Following Secretary Giannoulias’ meeting with RAILS public library directors on April 22, RAILS was made aware of a complaint shared by the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education related to alleged discrimination based on disability. Specifically, these complaints are related to a library’s website and whether that web experience is equal to the opportunities afforded to those without disability. Similar complaints were received by at least two public libraries in Illinois, and it was relayed that the complainant may intend to file against other Illinois public libraries in the future.

RAILS requested that Ancel Glink, our legal partner, address the recent digital access discrimination complaints against libraries. In a memorandum, Ancel Glink outlines the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education (“OCR”) complaint process, OCR investigations, and OCR resolutions of complaints including settlements and mediation, and more.

This is intended to be a general support for this process, and libraries are encouraged to work with their own legal counsel should they receive a similar complaint.

Ancel Glink Memo Regarding OCR Complaint (PDF)

Discounts/Member Offers & Opportunities

Member libraries have reached out to RAILS about securing advantageous pricing for resources related to accessibility compliance for library websites. We are actively pursuing potential opportunities and will post new deals here and on the RAILS Deals & Discounts page.

RAILS Events (Upcoming and Recorded)

Upcoming

Practical Tips for Improved Digital Accessibility (L2 login required)

Apr 22, 2026

Digital Accessibility can feel intimidating, but there are easy and low cost steps that libraries can take to improve the accessibility of their digital offerings. In this session, we will walk through concrete steps that your library can take to offer more accessible and inclusive digital content for all. You will leave this session with new tools to support digital accessibility and a plan for how to make real changes at your library. 

Check the Library Directory & Learning Calendar (L2) calendar for upcoming events

Recorded

This video was presented on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at the RAILS Member Update. It features Sonya Schryer Norris discussing web accessibility.

Document Accessibility Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide from Word to PDF (L2 login required)

February 3, 2026

Join us for a practical, follow-along session that introduces some key fundamentals of digital accessibility and demonstrates select techniques for creating more accessible documents. Participants will work directly with a provided Word document as we walk through hands-on remediation examples and commonly used tools. This session is not an exhaustive training on document accessibility, but rather a focused look at core concepts and workflows you can build on.

Evaluating and Communicating Your Library’s Accessibility (L2 login required)

October 22, 2025

This session explores how to effectively share clear, user-friendly information about your library's accessibility to foster a more inclusive environment. Learn how to simplify accessibility evaluations using a practical checklist, and implement actionable, affordable steps to improve access at your institution.

Ask the Web Accessibility Expert (L2 login required)
November 21, 2024

Mark McCarthy, Lead Accessibility Engineer and IT Accessibility Liaison at the University of Illinois, gave expert advice on attendees' specific challenges and concerns.

RAILS Member Update
June 6, 2024

RAILS welcomes all staff at all levels from all types of RAILS libraries (academic, public, school, and specialized) to join the RAILS Member Update on Zoom. This event will include a presentation on digital accessibility for libraries by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ADA IT Coordinator Keith Hays.

RAILS Continuing Education Archives
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Voluntary Product Accessibility Templates (VPATs)

RAILS VPAT Repository
To ensure libraries meet web accessibility standards when purchasing electronic resources, many vendors offer a VPAT – Voluntary Product Accessibility Template, which can aid in assessing how the product meets Section 508. RAILS maintains a repository of VPATs. These are available for all RAILS libraries.

Other Resources

Free Tools

Free Training Resources

Paid Training Resources

Miscellaneous